Episode 449 of I’ll Drink to That! was released recently, and features Arvid Rosengren, who is the Wine Director of Legacy Records, the restaurant in Manhattan. Arvid won the World’s Best Sommelier title in 2016.
Arvid Rosengren divulges what it takes to be named the World’s Best Sommelier in competition, and it turns out that is quite a bit. This interview is full of details about Arvid’s rigorous training regime, including specialized computer learning, video analysis of service techniques, endless Skype calls, and consultation with an acting coach. Arvid explains what drove him to take on this challenge, and what it was like performing in front of a televised audience on that day two years ago that he took home the title. Like most of us would experience, there was a fair amount of self-doubt along the way, and one of the strengths of this interview is the openess with which Arvid addresses his own feelings. But this isn’t only an episode about the trials of competition, there is also plenty of discussion about Arvid’s diverse restaurant experiences in Sweden, Denmark, and the United States. It turns out that in Denmark you can have your wine delivered by bicycle, while Sweden has a soft spot for American -style steakhouses. And there are plenty of further details within this episode for the curious.
Listen to this episode:
I’ll Drink to That is the world’s most listened-to wine podcast, hosted by Levi Dalton. Levi has had a long career working as a sommelier in some of the most distinguished and acclaimed dining rooms in America. He has served wine to guests of Restaurant Daniel, Masa, and Alto, all in Manhattan. Levi has also contributed articles on wine themes to publications such as The Art of Eating, Wine & Spirits magazine, Bon Appetit online, and Eater NY. Check out his pictures on Instagram and follow him on Twitter: @leviopenswine
